Simple Homemade Yogurt in the Instant Pot

Sharing is caring!

This simple homemade yogurt in the instant pot is very easy to make and only requires a few ingredients. In this post, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making homemade yogurt in your Instant Pot, and share the importance of gut health, and the benefits of incorporating probiotic-rich foods into your diet. Let’s go!

Why Make Homemade Yogurt?

By making yogurt at home, you can:

• Control the ingredients and avoid additives and preservatives.
• Customize the flavor and thickness to your liking.
• Save money over time.
• Enjoy the rich probiotics that promote gut health.

The Importance of Gut Health

I first learned about gut health around 10 years ago. It plays such a crucial role in our bodies yet a majority of peoples diets don’t include hardly any probiotic rich foods. Your gut, also known as the digestive tract, is home to trillions of bacteria, aka the gut microbiome. These bacteria are crucial to digestion, immune function, and even mental health. A balanced gut microbiome is essential for:

• Digestive Efficiency: Good bacteria help break down food, absorb nutrients, and produce essential vitamins.
• Immune Support: A healthy gut microbiome supports a strong immune system, helping to fend off infections and illnesses.
• Mental Health: Emerging research suggests a connection between gut health and mental health, often referred to as the gut-brain axis. A balanced gut can help improve mood and cognitive function.
• Inflammation Reduction: Probiotics can help reduce inflammation in the gut, which is linked to various chronic diseases.
  
  Yogurt is a great way to feed that gut microbiome. If you are looking for a way to heal your gut you need these supplements. They add in the good bacteria, but I love that it also kills off the bad bacteria and flushed it out of your body. Pair that with feeding your body gut-friendly food like yogurt, sourdough, fermented drinks and vegetables every week and you’ll start to notice a big difference.

Essential Ingredients and Equipment

To make yogurt in an Instant Pot, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients and tools:

• Milk: Whole milk is best for a creamy texture, but you can use 2%, skim, or even non-dairy alternatives. I use raw milk from a local Mennonite shop. Store milk will get thicker but I prefer the raw knowing I’m getting high quality milk.
• Yogurt Starter: A few tablespoons of plain yogurt with live active cultures or a commercial yogurt starter.
• Equipment: An Instant Pot with a yogurt function, a thermometer, a whisk, and clean jars or containers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Heat the Milk

Pour the milk into the Instant Pot. Select the “Yogurt” function and then press “Adjust” until the display reads “boil.” This step heats the milk to 180°F (82°C), which helps to denature the proteins for a thicker yogurt. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming. Or if you get busy just scoop the skin off once its reached the right temperature. Use a thermometer to check the temperature. I like a digital thermometer.

Step 2: Cool the Milk

Once the milk has reached 180°F (82°C), remove the inner pot and let it cool to 110-115°F (43-46°C). You can place the pot in a cold water bath to speed up the cooling process. Cool water will bring the temperature down in about five minutes. It will take quite a bit longer if you just let it sit out to cool. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooling.

Step 3: Add the Starter

Once the milk has cooled, take about a cup of it and mix it with the yogurt starter until smooth. Then, whisk this mixture back into the pot of milk, ensuring it is well combined. Make sure milk is down to 110 to prevent killing the bacteria in the yogurt starter.

Step 4: Incubate the Yogurt

Place the inner pot back into the Instant Pot. Select the “Yogurt” function and adjust the time to 8-12 hours, depending on how tangy you want the yogurt. The longer it incubates, the tangier and thicker it will become.

Step 5: Refrigerate

After the incubation period, move the inner pot to the refrigerator. Let the yogurt chill for at least 4 hours to firm up, or overnight. Transfer the yogurt to clean jars or containers. Homemade yogurt can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Yogurt

• Consistency: For thicker yogurt strain the finished yogurt through cheesecloth to remove excess whey.
• Flavoring: Once the yogurt has set, you can add sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or vanilla extract. Fresh fruit, granola, or nuts make excellent toppings.
• Experiment: Try using different milk types (goat, sheep, almond, coconut) and starters to find your favorite combination.

Common Questions About Homemade Yogurt

Q: Can I use flavored yogurt as a starter? A: It’s best to use plain yogurt with live active cultures as a starter. Flavored yogurts often contain added sugars and flavors that can interfere with the fermentation process.

Q: My yogurt is runny. What did I do wrong? A: Runny yogurt can result from insufficient heating, cooling, or incubation. Make sure to follow the temperature guidelines closely. Also, using whole milk can help achieve a thicker consistency.

Q: How do I make Greek yogurt? A: Greek yogurt is simply regular yogurt that has been strained to remove whey, resulting in a thicker texture. You can strain homemade yogurt using a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer.

Conclusion

Making homemade yogurt in the Instant Pot is an easy process that provides a fun healthy treat. By following these simple steps and tips, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh yogurt tailored to your taste. So, why not give it a try? Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!

Ready to start making your own yogurt? Share your experiences and favorite yogurt recipes in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more delicious and healthy homemade recipes. If you tried it and loved it please leave a 5 star review.